Sanitary cabin designed for connection to a vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a sanitary cabin comprising a bottom, side walls with an access opening and an upper wall, in which sanitary facilities are disposed, and connecting means provided for effecting a supporting connection of the sanitary cabin to the outside of a vehicle, wherein adjusting means are provided for adjusting the distance between the bottom and the upper wall.

The present invention relates to a sanitary cabin comprising a bottom, side walls with an access opening and an upper wall, in which sanitary facilities are disposed, and connecting means provided for effecting a supporting connection of the sanitary cabin to the outside of a vehicle. The phrase “supporting connection” as used herein is understood to mean that the connecting means are suitable for having the cabin supported independently by the vehicle, this in contrast to a trailer, for example, which is also supported on the ground surface via wheels.

Such a cabin is disclosed in EP 1 234 724. Said cabin optionally comprises a toilet, a washbasin and a shower. Furthermore, connections for water are provided, so that water can be supplied to the sanitary facilities in the cabin via pipes from outside the cabin, for example from a reservoir disposed in a vehicle. The cabin comprises a support structure of welded-together horizontal beams, which can be connected to the rear of a vehicle. Although such a cabin provides a user with a combination of freedom of movement and sanitary comfort for touring around in sparsely populated areas, or at least areas where sanitary facilities are scarce, the present inventor has recognised the problem that the dimensions of the known cabin are not very advantageous if the cabin is to be transported on a vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a so-called van. To enable users to take a shower in a standing position in the cabin, a height of at least two metres is required. When the known cabin is taken along on a vehicle, the upper wall will be spaced from the road surface by at least 2.30 m. This is disadvantageous, in particular if the cabin is used in combination with a vehicle above which the cabin projects in connected condition. The cabin will catch a lot of wind while driving. In addition, there is the risk that a driver of a vehicle to which the cabin is connected will not sufficiently realise while driving that the vehicle, or at least the cabin connected thereto, is higher than the vehicle roof over his head. It is a well-known fact that in that case drivers run a great risk of passing through a passage which is too low, resulting in damage to the cabin or even to the vehicle.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cabin as referred to in the introduction which provides a solution to the recognized problem and which, also when used in combination with a relatively low vehicle, does not project above the vehicle during transport, or at least less than the known cabin. This object is accomplished by the present invention in that adjusting means are provided for adjusting the distance between the bottom and the upper wall. Thus it is possible to adjust the height of the cabin between at least a relatively compact transport condition and at least a relatively extended condition of use, thereby accomplishing the object of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,727 A describes a portable urinal including a base comprising a side wall having a rear cylindrical wall portion, a pair of side wall portions and an upper wall, which is fixed to the side wall. In one embodiment, two hollow rods extend in the side wall, into which tubular elements can be inserted. A U-shaped rod may be attached to said tubular elements, from which rod a curtain can be hung. Neither the upper wall nor the U-shaped rod is provided with adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the bottom on the one hand and the upper wall or the U-shaped rod on the other hand. Furthermore, the connection of the “portable urinal” to the outside of a vehicle is a towed connection rather than a supporting connection, and the portable urinal is not provided with means for realising a supporting connection of the sanitary cabin to the outside of a vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side walls are telescopic. That is, the bottom and/or the upper wall of the sanitary cabin can be moved up or down, as the case may be, with respect to the rest of the cabin via a telescopic construction. Telescopic constructions are generally known, being quite suitable for increasing the length, in this case the height, of an elongate object, such as a cabin. The upper wall and/or the bottom may be moved telescopically. It is also possible, however, for both elements to be moved telescopically. Although it is desirable when providing a closed sanitary cabin that side wall portions be attached to the telescopically movable bottom or upper wall so as to be able to extend the side wall as well, this is not necessary. If this is not the case, an open space will be present between the bottom or the upper wall, as the case may be, and the side wall of the cabin in the relatively extended condition, and the user's feet and possibly his or her head can be seen from outside. A part of a cabin can also be turned upwards with respect to the rest of the cabin by means of a screw thread construction having a relatively large pitch.

In addition, or alternatively, the upper wall is mounted for pivoting movement with respect to a side wall. Thus, the upper wall can be pivoted upwards for realising a position of use, and the upper wall can be pivoted downwards, or, in other words, collapsed, for realising a compact transport position.

To make it easier for a user to step into and out of the sanitary cabin, the connecting means may be arranged for vertically moving the cabin relative to a vehicle to which the cabin is connected. The entire cabin, including the bottom, can thus be moved from the transport position to a position close to or on a ground surface.

It is preferable in that case if the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface. The cabin can thus be disconnected from a vehicle to which the cabin is connected. The cabin can in that case be installed on a campsite, for example, and possibly be left behind, whilst the vehicle can be used for other purposes, for example for making a trip.

The connecting means may be arranged for connection to a tow bar of a vehicle. If the vehicle is provided with a tow bar, said tow bar can be excellently used for supporting the sanitary cabin. After all, tow bars are provided not only for horizontally towing a trailer, but they must also be capable of vertically supporting a trailer's weight, at least insofar as said weight is supported on the tow bar via a pole. A tow bar is thus excellently suited for supporting a load, such as a sanitary cabin.

In addition, or alternatively, the connecting means may be arranged for connection to a rear wall of a vehicle. Depending on the type of vehicle, said rear wall may be a fifth door of a station wagon, a hatchback, the back doors or the tailgate of a van, an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational vehicle, a tailgate for a truck, a bumper or the like. The cabin can thus be attached to a vehicle not fitted with a tow bar.

To provide an independently usable sanitary cabin, a preferred embodiment of the cabin is provided with a water reservoir. Said water reservoir may be located inside the cabin, but it may also be disposed outside the cabin, for example under the bottom of a cabin or on a side wall of the cabin. In the latter case, the water reservoir might be attached to a wall, which, in connected condition, faces towards the rear of the connected vehicle. In addition, or alternatively, connecting means may be provided for connecting (sanitary facilities in) the cabin to a water conduit that does not form part of the sanitary cabin, such as a water reservoir in a vehicle or a water reservoir or water conduit connected to the fixed world.

Disposed inside the cabin may be one or more sanitary facilities from the group comprising: toilet, urinal, bidet, washbasin, shower, steam shower, sauna, infrared sauna, water heater. The way a sanitary cabin is fitted out depends on the user's wishes, of course.

Connection means for connection to 12V, 24V, 110V and/or 220-240V may be provided for supplying energy. The cabin may have its own battery or rely on the connection to an external energy source. Said energy source may be a battery or a converter of a vehicle, but it may also be a generator, a fuel cell or a socket outlet for mains voltage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cabin comprises a gas spring for spring-loaded adjustment of the distance between the bottom and the upper wall. The bottom may thus be spring-mounted, for example, making it possible to compensate for a user's weight.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic side view of part of a vehicle with a sanitary cabin according to the present invention in the position of use connected thereto;

FIG. 1 b is a top plan view of the sanitary cabin of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle with the sanitary cabin of FIG. 1 in the transport position connected thereto;

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a sanitary cabin according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a vehicle with yet another embodiment of a sanitary cabin according to the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1 a, there is shown a schematic side view of a sanitary cabin 1 according to the present invention. The sanitary cabin 1 is supported on a vehicle 2 by means of a connection to the tow bar 3. A water tank 4 is disposed between the sanitary cabin 1 and the vehicle 2. Inside the cabin, several sanitary facilities (schematically shown) are disposed, such as a toilet 5, a water heater 6, a steam generator 7, an infrared sauna 8, a washbasin 9 and a showerhead 13. A bench 10 is mounted, possibly hinged, to a side wall. A cover 11 comprising a roof plate 14 is connected to the rest of the cabin via a hinged connection 12. A showerhead 13 is mounted to the roof plate 14. A door 15 is provided in a side wall.

With reference now to FIG. 1 b, there is shown a top plan view of the sanitary cabin of FIG. 1 a. From said top plan view it can be concluded how the various sanitary facilities and the like are arranged in the sanitary cabin.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the sanitary cabin 1 of FIG. 1 connected to the vehicle 2, in this case in a transport position, however, in which the cover 11 has been pivoted down via the hinged connection 12, so that the roof plate 14 rests on the side walls of the sanitary cabin 1. For the rest the same numerals as in FIG. 1 a are used to indicate the various elements of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a sanitary cabin 21 according to the present invention. The sanitary cabin 21 is connected to the vehicle 22 via a water tank 24 attached to the tow bar 23 and a gas spring 36 by means of a support 37, a guide rod 38 a and guide blocks 38. To avoid repetition, the internal elements of the sanitary cabin 21 will not be shown or discussed.

FIG. 4, to conclude, shows another alternative embodiment of a sanitary cabin 41, which comprises mounting rails 43 attached to the rear side of the vehicle 42 and which is connected to the vehicle via connecting elements 58. The sanitary cabin 41 comprises a number of cabin elements 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, 41 d, which can be telescoped together. The sanitary cabin 41 is supported on a ground surface 46 via a bottom plate 45. Insofar as sanitary facilities inside the sanitary cabin 41 are supported on the bottom side of the sanitary cabin 41, said sanitary facilities are mounted on the bottom plate 45 of the sanitary cabin element 41 d. A water tank 44 is provided inside the vehicle 42.

With reference to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 2 again, the figures schematically show a sanitary cabin 1 attached to a vehicle 2 via the tow bar 3 thereof. There are numerous methods of attaching carriers to a tow bar. A choice for a specific method is not made herein, but several carrier systems are available on the market, all of which are excellently suitable for supporting the sanitary cabin 1 on a vehicle. FIG. 1 a shows that in fact the water tank 4 is supported by the tow bar 3, and that the sanitary cabin 1 is in turn attached to the water tank 4. It is also possible, of course, to have the sanitary cabin 1 supported directly by the tow bar 3, in which case the water tank 4 will be positioned differently relative to the sanitary cabin 1 and the vehicle 2. Disposed inside the sanitary cabin 1 are various sanitary facilities, such as a toilet 5, a water heater 6 for supplying hot water, a steam generator 7 for generating steam for a steam bath and an infrared source 8 for having the sanitary cabin function as an infrared sauna. Furthermore, a showerhead 13 is mounted to the roof plate 14, which showerhead faces downwards in the open position of the cover 11 shown in FIG. 1 a and which is oriented horizontally in the closed transport position shown in FIG. 2. Means may be provided for adjusting the showerhead 13, however, so that the showerhead 13 can also be used in the collapsed position of the sanitary cabin. Water conduits and electrical lines are needed for the sanitary facilities, of course, but those of average skill in the art will appreciate that such conduits/lines can be provided as desired from the water tank 4 and the vehicle 2, respectively, or from an external source. Said conduits/lines are not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, a bench 10 is provided on one of the walls, on which bench a user can be seated when the sanitary cabin 1 is being used as a sauna. A door 15 gives access to the sanitary cabin 1 from outside. The sanitary cabin 1 might be provided with (swing-aside) steps at the bottom side so as to make it easier to step into the sanitary cabin 1. In FIG. 1 a the sanitary cabin 1 is in the position of use, i.e. the cover 11 with the roof plate 14 has been swung up via the hinged connection 12, thus creating space for a user at the upper side of the sanitary cabin so as to enable the user to stand upright in the sanitary cabin 1. In FIG. 2, the cover 11 with the roof plate 14 has been swung down and the roof plate 14 rests on the side walls of the sanitary cabin 1, so that the sanitary cabin 1 no longer projects above the vehicle 2.

With reference to FIG. 3 now, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a sanitary cabin 21 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, too, a water tank 24 is supported on a tow bar 23 and the sanitary cabin 21 is in turn attached to the water tank 24. A gas spring 36 is provided with the sanitary cabin 21 of FIG. 3, one end of which gas spring is attached to the sanitary cabin 21 by means of the support 37. Guide blocks 38 and a guide rod 38 a are furthermore provided, so that the sanitary cabin 21 can be moved up and down by means of the guide blocks 38 and the guide rod 38 a by actuating the gas spring 36. In this way the sanitary cabin 21 can be placed on a ground surface. This has the advantage that there is no need to bridge a high distance upon stepping into the sanitary cabin 21 and that the forces exerted on the vehicle 22, the connecting means to the vehicle and the sanitary cabin 21 itself, for example when a person is present in the sanitary cabin 21, will be less strong. The fact is that the sanitary cabin 21 will in that case be supported on a ground surface to which a large portion of the forces will be transmitted. A cover 31 is attached to the rest of the sanitary cabin via a hinged connection 32 also in the case of the sanitary cabin 21, thus making it possible to increase the height of the upper side of the sanitary cabin 21 so as to provide headroom in the sanitary cabin 21.

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of a sanitary cabin 41 according to the present invention. The sanitary cabin 41 is mounted to the rear side of the vehicle 42 via mounting rails 43 and connecting elements 58. At the upper side, the guide rails are attached to a hatchback 47, also referred to as “fifth door”. At the bottom side, the guide rails are likewise attached to the hatchback 47, whilst in addition they are supported on the bumper 48. The sanitary cabin 41 comprises a number of tubular elements 41 a-41 d, with the inner element 41 c being connected to the vehicle 42 in such manner as to be substantially static (relative to the vehicle 42). The cabin element 41 d can be telescoped into and out of the cabin element 41 c, as indicated by the arrow Pd, between the illustrated position of use, in which the bottom plate 45 is supported on a ground surface 46, and a transport condition, in which the cabin element 41 d is accommodated substantially within the cabin element 41 c. At the upper side, too, the cabin elements 41 a and 41 b can telescope together and into the cabin element 41 c as indicated by the arrows Pa and Pb, respectively, between a position of use as shown and a transport position, in which the cabin elements 41 a and 41 b have telescoped together and into the cabin element 41 c.

Although the sanitary cabin according to the present invention has been shown and described in a few variants in the figures and the above description it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are a great many other possibilities of embodying the sanitary cabin according to the present invention. Many of these variants will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, however, which is defined in the appended claims. Thus, the side walls may for example be made of a flexible material which is not self-supporting, in which case uprights will provide constructional rigidity, for example.

Although the definition of the present invention does not include recreational vehicles and caravans having their own sanitary space, it is by all means possible to connect the sanitary cabin to (the outside of) such a vehicle. Such a combination comprises a sanitary cabin according to the invention and thus falls within the scope of protection of the present invention. 

1. A sanitary cabin comprising a bottom, side walls with an access opening and an upper wall, in which sanitary facilities are disposed, and connecting means provided for effecting a supporting connection of the sanitary cabin to the outside of a vehicle, wherein adjusting means are provided for adjusting the distance between the bottom and the upper wall.
 2. The cabin according to claim 1, wherein the side walls are telescopic.
 3. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the upper wall is mounted for pivoting movement with respect to a side wall.
 4. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the connecting means is arranged for vertically moving the cabin relative to a vehicle to which the cabin is connected.
 5. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface.
 6. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the connecting means are arranged for connection to a tow bar of a vehicle.
 7. The cabin claim 1 wherein the connecting connecting means are arranged for connection to a rear wall of a vehicle.
 8. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the cabin is provided with a water reservoir.
 9. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein the cabin be is provided with one or more sanitary facilities comprising: toilet, urinal, bidet, washbasin, shower, steam shower, sauna, infrared sauna, water heater.
 10. The cabin according to claim 1 wherein connection means are provided for connection to 12V, 24V, 110 V and/or 220-240V.
 11. The cabin according to claim 1 further comprising a gas spring for spring-loaded adjustment of the distance between the bottom and the upper wall.
 12. The cabin according to claim 2 wherein the upper wall is mounted for pivoting movement with respect to a side wall.
 13. The cabin according to claim 2 wherein the connecting means is arranged for vertically moving the cabin relative to a vehicle to which the cabin is connected.
 14. The cabin according to claim 3 wherein the connecting means is arranged for vertically moving the cabin relative to a vehicle to which the cabin is connected.
 15. The cabin according to claim 12 wherein the connecting means is arranged for vertically moving the cabin relative to a vehicle to which the cabin is connected.
 16. The cabin according to claim 2 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface.
 17. The cabin according to claim 3 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface.
 18. The cabin according to claim 4 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface.
 19. The cabin according to claim 12 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface.
 20. The cabin according to claim 13 wherein the cabin is arranged for being independently supported on a ground surface. 